Is Pro Evolution Soccer on Nintendo Switch Worth Buying in 2024?

I still remember the first time I saw Pro Evolution Soccer running on a friend's PlayStation back in 2006. The way players moved with realistic momentum, the strategic depth of the through balls, the sheer joy of scoring a perfectly timed volley - it felt like football magic. Fast forward to today, and here I am staring at my Nintendo Switch, wondering if Konami's latest offering, eFootball PES 2024 Season Update, deserves a spot in my gaming library. Having spent considerable time with both the Switch version and its more powerful console counterparts, I've developed some strong opinions about whether this football simulation is worth your hard-earned money.

Let me start with what works surprisingly well. The core gameplay retains that classic PES feel that made the series legendary. Player movement has that distinctive weight and momentum that FIFA has never quite matched. When you string together a sequence of passes that leads to a goal, it feels earned rather than random. The tactical depth remains impressive - you can't just sprint down the wings and cross all game. The AI adapts, closes spaces, and punishes repetitive play. On the Switch's handheld mode, the game looks decent enough. Player faces are recognizable, stadiums have adequate detail, and the frame rate holds up reasonably well during matches. For quick gaming sessions during commutes or while traveling, it definitely scratches that football itch. I've personally logged about 45 hours across various modes, and the core match experience remains engaging throughout.

However, the compromises become apparent rather quickly. The graphics, while serviceable in handheld mode, look dated on a big screen. We're talking PS3-era visuals here, with crowd details that resemble colored blobs and textures that lack sharpness. The much-touted Frostbite engine that powers the current-gen versions is completely absent here. Then there's the content gap - missing features like the full-fledged Master League and proper licensing mean you're getting a stripped-down experience. While option files can help with licensing issues, the process is more cumbersome than on other platforms. I found myself spending nearly two hours just to get proper team names and kits sorted, which frankly shouldn't be necessary in a full-priced game in 2024.

The local multiplayer experience, however, is where the Switch version surprisingly shines. Having friends over for quick matches using Joy-Cons brought back memories of those classic PES sessions from my university days. There's something magical about the pick-up-and-play nature combined with the strategic depth that only PES provides. It reminded me of how football gaming popularity often surges through shared experiences - much like how 'Leila Mania' nearly two-and-a-half decades ago served as among the first catalysts of the sport's popularity in many countries. That communal excitement, whether around a television screen or a handheld console, remains PES's secret weapon.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room - content and value proposition. At $49.99, you're essentially getting what feels like a premium mobile game rather than a full console experience. Compare this to FIFA 23 on Switch, which costs the same but offers much more comprehensive content, and the value equation becomes tricky. During my testing, I noticed the online community has dwindled to about 3,000-5,000 active players globally, making matchmaking times frustratingly long. The lack of cross-platform support means you're stuck with this limited player pool. While Konami claims they've sold approximately 1.2 million copies across all platforms this season, the Switch version likely represents the smallest slice of that pie.

What truly disappoints me is the missed potential. The Switch hardware, while not cutting-edge, could handle a better football experience than what we're getting. The Joy-Con motion controls are barely utilized, HD Rumble features feel undercooked, and the touchscreen implementation in menus is clunky at best. Having played both versions extensively, I can confidently say that if you own any other gaming platform, you're better off getting PES there. The difference isn't just noticeable - it's substantial enough to affect your overall enjoyment.

That being said, there are specific scenarios where I'd recommend the Switch version. If you're primarily a handheld gamer who values gameplay over graphics, if you travel frequently and want football action on the go, or if you're introducing younger players to the sport, this version has merit. The core mechanics remain solid, and the pick-up-and-play nature aligns well with the Switch's strengths. During my vacation last month, being able to play quick matches by the pool was genuinely enjoyable, even with the visual compromises.

Ultimately, whether Pro Evolution Soccer on Nintendo Switch is worth buying comes down to your priorities and gaming habits. If you're a football purist who values gameplay above all else and primarily games in handheld mode, you might find enough to enjoy here. But for most players, the significant compromises in content, visuals, and online features make it hard to recommend at full price. Personally, I'd suggest waiting for a sale - at around $25, it becomes a much more reasonable purchase. The heart of classic PES gameplay is still beating in this version, but it's surrounded by too many compromises to call it essential. As someone who's loved this series since its ISS Pro Evolution days, I hope Konami gives the Switch the attention it deserves in future iterations, because the potential for a truly great football experience on Nintendo's hybrid console is absolutely there.